I've just started PT for FS and was wondering if anyone can share their experience with PT.
I'm glad I found this site- most people can't understand this condition.
Thank you-
Hi Sue. Yes, it's an odd, unexplainable condition! I started PT when I was in the frozen stage, now I am thawing. I have benefited greatly from PT, as there are movements, ultra sound and apparatus , that only my therapist can provide. The MOST important aspect, is that you have an excellent, experienced PT, that specializes in this condition. If you don't, I would suggest doing whatever you can on your own . I.e. Slow, long movements. I hope this helps. Once you get through the most painful period, I promise you, you will see the light at the end of the tunnel . Teri
Thank you so much Teri!
It helps knowing others with this condition
Sue, it sure does help, as it can be quite trying. Another piece of advice I offer to you is know it will get better . A tool I used to help with pain is called a polar roller, which you can get anywhere . The cold helps with pain. Also, don't measure your progress daily. It initially comes monthly then weekly. Teri
Thats good to know- I've lost 75% rom in my left arm....patience is part of the therapy, my PT said
Are you at the frozen stage where there is no pain?
How long have you had it for?
I had surgery for mine due to being off work with it, I've been having physiotherapy and they have given me way to many exercises because the other night I couldn't sleep due to pain and the next morning my ROM was less and the pain felt like it did when I was in freeze. I stopped the exercises for a day and the pain has gone, you have to trust your instincts and what your body is trying to tell you
Dee, according to my orthopedic physician, I am in the thawing stage. I can't say I'm 100% pain free, especially after PT, but it's considerably less. No more tears. I was diagnosed last January, but had the stiffness for probably 6 months before I was diagnosed properly. I thought I had pulled a muscle. I agree with you in that you have to listen to what your body needs. But, I believe you have to push a tiny bit to loosen the adhesions. In my PT sessions, I never push to the point of excruciating pain. And although I am alway sore after the sessions, the pain is gone within hours and I have more ROM. I don't believe in creating more pain, so I just work to my limit, which I've learned along the way. 😀
Sue, patience is your best friend with this condition.😀
no, i have pain now it was helped with the shot- so i must be in the "freezing stage"
I had this pain since the first of june- and just got diagnosed about 2 weeks ago
I'm on limited duty now at work- and yes - there is definately a line between stretching and over stretching- ouch!
Sue, one more thing. The worst pain I had , was if I tripped or had an unexpected jolt of my arm forward. It was excruciating pain. But, the pain would subside after a couple of minutes. Now, there is no pain with those movements. I wished someone would have told me about this part of it. You may not experience that, but if you do, that too, shall pass. Teri
Oh yes, it takes my breath away and brings tears to my eyes..
but I think the shot made a difference and I can do a little bit more
Good!!!
Yes sounds like you're in the freezing stage and unfortunately the pain can get worse especially when sleeping, the freezing stage can last up to four months one that's over you go into thawing stage which is limited pain usually pain will come with pushing ROM, the thawing stage can take anywhere from 8 months to 2 years.
I had the capsule stretch injection which killed because he said my capsule was so tight, it did nothing. I'm 2 weeks post surgery and
And my ROM is alot better than it was before but I'm back to sleepless nights 😞
It sounds like you're on the road to recovery which is great and yes in the thawing stage you need to push yourself a little more. Good luck with the rest of your recovery
My surgeon told me about a patient he was going to do surgery on in a three week time period, the first week prior to surgery he had a fall down some stairs and he used his sore arm and he felt like he was dying then in the second week he slipped in the shower and he was in excruciating pain by week three he didn't need surgery because the falls had broken all the adhesions. I cringe at the thought of the pain but what a good result
Hi Sue,
Welcome to the FS club - the one you definitely don't want to be a member of
I did try PT and went about a half dozen times before stopping. It was pretty painful and I was worn out after the sessions. I then started talking to a few people and found that many I spoke with did not get any results with PT. So I began to wonder if the pain was going to produce any results. I then went online to look for evidence-based results for the various FS treatments and there wasn't any strong evidence that PT worked. I got FS in December 2015 and I am nearly finished with it and have most of my mobility back. I read a lot and finally read someone's post that she did absolutely nothing and it went away on its own. AFter trying PT and massage, I began to wonder if it was something cyclical that just needed to get through the phases in its own time. With some trepidation, I decided to stop all formal treatments and let it work itself out on its own time. I kept exercising (nothing special for the shoulder) to keep my mood and energy up. And I'm thrilled to share I'm nearly healed. So my advice is to trust yourself and your body to guide you.If you don't feel something is working, stop. And know that it does get better I promise!
Interesting you said that Elizabeth, because I tried PT earlier this summer and it was too painful to continue.. I told this to my new PT and she said the shoulder was in the "freezing stage" and it was too early for PT. After I got the shot in my shoulder the pain is less and I'm trying it again.
We do need to listen to our bodies and adjust when we have to
Thank you-
Sue